Boxing: Medics call for mandatory suspensions and scans to protect…

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Ringside doctors in combat sports such as boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) have called for suspensions and examinations for fighters who get knocked out to ensure they have enough time to recover before they fight again. FILE PHOTO: Mixed Martial Arts – Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Fight Night – Light Heavyweight Bout – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia – 20/3/16 – James Te Huna receives treatment from officials after being knocked out by Steve Bosse REUTERS/Jason O’Brien/File Photo Many state athletic commissions in the United States already impose suspensions of 30, 60 or 90 days but Dr. John Neidecker of the Association of Ringside Physicians (ARP) told Reuters that more needs to be done to protect fighters. “We want to increase awareness and educate those involved in combat sports about the best practices in concussion management and help bring them into combat sports,” he said. “These guidelines (about universal mandatory suspensions) could potentially decrease the incidence of long-term neurological problems in combat sports athletes.” The ARP also wants fighters who have suffered knockouts to be examined and cleared by specialist doctors before they fight again, as well as changes to how post-fight examinations are done. “They should take place in a quiet environment, like a dressing room, not just at ringside. This practice typically does not happen at events where there is a single physician covering,” Neidecker said. The ARP consensus report also calls for fighters to follow a gradual progression of activity when returning to… [Read full story]